Page 66 of Love on the Waiver Wire

Ignoring him, I decide to lean into his compliments. I spin, showing off the whole outfit. “You like it?”

He nods, biting his lip. “I always preferred the Padme white outfit over the Leia one.”

“It’s because you’re an ass guy, isn’t it?”

He smiles, the dimple on his right cheek deepening, and it takes my breath away.

“I must be drawn to the force, because yoda only one for me,” he says, his voice low.

It’s so stupid I can’t help but burst into laughter.

“That was bad,” I tell him, placing my hand on his muscular chest, his bare skin searing mine. I watch as goosebumps form at my touch, feeling his body lurch slightly as he shivers.

He looks down, and when he looks back up, his eyes are darker. More sultry.

I shake my head. “My brother is right over there and he’s going to kill you.”

“I think it would be worth it, don’t you?”

25

OWEN

Isla’s hair is braided into a bun at the back of her head, the white costume fitting her like a glove. Her light makeup is perfect for her, and although I think she’s pretty no matter what, I love when I can see her freckles.

And I really like that I can make her laugh.

I watch as she looks curiously at where my chest and her hand meet, and am about to ask her out for real this time when I feel a hand come down on my shoulder, the slapping sound loud in my ear.

I turn, immediately nervous as Leo’s bald little head comes into view.

“What’s up?” he asks, his eyes narrowing at his sister. I just hope he didn’t watch as her hand fell from me.

“Nothing much, just getting a drink,” I say as I hold my cup up.

He looks suspiciously between us as Isla shoots him an awkward smile.

“What are you wearing?” he suddenly says, and before I can respond that I’m clearly wearing assless chaps, I realize he’s looking at his sister.

“I’m Padme,” she deadpans, already knowing that this is going to be a fight she doesn’t want any part in.

Leo raises his hand, covering parts of her from view.

“Yeah, you gotta go put something over that. Now.”

She groans. “Leo for the millionth time, you’re not dad. I’m an adult. I can do what I want.” Her eyes flicker to mine.

“You’re here at this bar because of my friends, Isla. I don’t need you here practically naked.”

“This literally covers my entire body, Leo. Myentirebody.”

“Not enough,” he fires back.

“It’s not up for you to decide!”

“It is when I’m here looking out for you!” Leo’s voice raises, and a couple people start to glance over at us.

“You’re not looking out for me, you’re being misogynistic.”

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